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  Method for cleaning a nebulizerUSPTO Application #: 20070189919Title: Method for cleaning a nebulizer Abstract: A method for cleaning a medicament from a portion of a nebulizer comprising soaking the portion of the nebulizer for a predetermined time in a cleaning solution having an enzyme dissolved therein, washing the cleaning solution from the portion of the nebulizer, and rinsing the portion of the nebulizer after the washing. (end of abstract)
Agent: Michael W. Haas Respironics, Inc. - Murrysville, PA, US Inventors: Ivan R. Prince, Richard Potter USPTO Applicaton #: 20070189919 - Class: 422028000 (USPTO) Related Patent Categories: Chemical Apparatus And Process Disinfecting, Deodorizing, Preserving, Or Sterilizing, Process Disinfecting, Preserving, Deodorizing, Or Sterilizing, Using Disinfecting Or Sterilizing Substance The Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070189919. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e) from provisional U.S. patent application No. 60/763,616 filed Jan. 31, 2006 the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention pertains to devices used to deliver a medicament to a patient in aerosol form, and in particular, to a method of cleaning devices used to deliver medicaments. [0004] 2. Description of the Related Art [0005] There are three basic categories of devices for delivering a medicament in aerosol form directly to the lungs of a patient during inhalation: metered-dose inhalers (MDI); dry powder inhalers (DPI); and nebulizers. Generally, medicaments available for use in a MDI are provided in a pressurized formulation (e.g., a hydrofluoroalkane formulation; a chlorofluorocarbon formulation), medicaments available for use in a DPI are provided in a dry powder formulation, and medicaments available for use in a nebulizer are provided in an aqueous solution formulation. [0006] Due to their ease of use, many patients prefer nebulizers for the delivery of aerosolized medicaments. Nebulizers may employ different mechanisms for aerosolizing a medicament. For example, pneumatic (or jet) nebulizers employ compressed air to disperse the liquid into aerosol form. An ultrasonic nebulizer, in contrast, employs an electrical source to excite a piezoelectric element which generates high frequency vibrations. These vibrations cause small droplets to separate from the surface of the medicament, thus forming an aerosol. Vibrating mesh technology (VMT) nebulizers employ a mesh having a number of microscopic apertures therein. A vibration is induced in the mesh (or in another component within the nebulizer) which causes the aqueous-based medicament to be extruded through the mesh apertures. The aqueous-based medicament is ejected from the mesh apertures in aerosol form. [0007] VMT nebulizers have gained in popularity among patients. VMT nebulizers, however, possess some drawbacks. For example, some medicaments delivered by a VMT nebulizer tend to accumulate on the surface of the nebulizer mesh. This accumulation may occlude the microscopic apertures in the mesh, thereby reducing the effectiveness of the nebulizer. For example, total blockage of one or more apertures may decrease the efficiency of the device or ultimately prevent any medicament from being dispensed to the patient. In addition, partial blockage of one or more apertures may negatively affect the particle size or time of delivery, thus possibly reducing or eliminating the beneficial effects of the prescribed therapy. [0008] Alpha-1 Antitrypsin (A1AT) is one example of a medicament that tends to accumulate on the mesh. A1AT is a protein that protects the lungs from damage caused by the presence of excessive amounts of neutrophil elastase. Because A1AT has a tendency to accumulate, the mesh must be cleaned regularly to prevent the A1AT from occluding the mesh apertures. [0009] A typical nebulizer cleaning protocol requires that the nebulizer be disassembled and the mesh removed. The mesh is then washed with warm soapy water. Afterwards, the mesh is rinsed in tap water and allowed to air dry. After the mesh has dried, it is re-inserted into the nebulizer which thereafter is reassembled for use. This cleaning protocol, however, has been found to be ineffective. Even when this cleaning protocol is implemented after each A1AT treatment, the mesh apertures still become occluded. [0010] Other cleaning protocols have also been suggested for cleaning the mesh. One such cleaning protocol, for example, requires a water/vinegar solution to be added to the medicament chamber of the nebulizer and the nebulizer operated for approximately 45-60 seconds. The nebulizer is then disassembled and the mesh removed. Next, the mesh is soaked in the vinegar/water solution for approximately 10 to 15 minutes. After soaking, the vinegar/water solution is rinsed from the mesh with warm tap water and the mesh is allowed to air dry. The mesh is then re-inserted into the nebulizer which thereafter is reassembled for use. [0011] Another cleaning protocol suggests that a water/vinegar solution be added to the medicament chamber of the nebulizer and operated for approximately 45-60 seconds. The nebulizer is then disassembled and the mesh is removed. Next, the mesh is submerged in a bowl of distilled water which is placed in a microwave oven and heated on "high" for approximately 3 minutes. The mesh is left to soak in the heated distilled water for approximately 30 minutes. After soaking, the mesh is allowed to air dry. The mesh is then re-inserted into the nebulizer which thereafter is reassembled for use. [0012] Still other cleaning protocols suggest that the mesh be placed in a high-temperature dishwasher, in an autoclave, and/or in an ultrasonic cleaner. None of the above-mentioned cleaning protocols, however, even if performed after each treatment, adequately prevent medicament from accumulating on the mesh and/or adequately remove medicament that previously accumulated on the mesh. The mesh of a nebulizer used to aerosolize a drug such as A1AT may become occluded, for example, after approximately 10 to 20 treatments, even if the nebulizer is thoroughly cleaned using any one of the protocols discussed above. As a result, a user must dispose of the occluded mesh and purchase/install a replacement mesh. [0013] Accordingly, a need exists for a method of cleaning a nebulizer that improves upon existing cleaning protocols. More specifically, a need exists for a method of cleaning a VMT nebulizer that prevents and/or removes the accumulation of medicaments on, and extends the useful life of, the nebulizer mesh. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0014] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved method for cleaning a nebulizer that overcomes the shortcomings of conventional methods of cleaning. This object is achieved according to one aspect of the present invention by providing a method for cleaning a medicament from at least a portion of a nebulizer comprising soaking the portion of the nebulizer for a predetermined time in a cleaning solution having an enzyme dissolved therein, washing the cleaning solution from the portion of the nebulizer, and rinsing the portion of the nebulizer after the washing. [0015] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for removing a protein from a nebulizer mesh comprising soaking the mesh in a cleaning solution for a predetermined time, wherein the cleaning solution has a proteolytic enzyme dissolved therein, washing the cleaning solution from the mesh, and rinsing the mesh after the washing. [0016] These features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of structure and the combination of parts and economies of manufacture, will become more apparent upon consideration of the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding parts in the various figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that the drawings are for the purpose of illustration and description only and not intended as a definition of the limits of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0017] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a vibrating mesh technology nebulizer; [0018] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the nebulizer of FIG. 1; [0019] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a mesh for the nebulizer shown in FIG. 1; [0020] FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operational process for cleaning a nebulizer according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Continue reading... Full patent description for Method for cleaning a nebulizer Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Method for cleaning a nebulizer patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. 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